Aussies to set new world record for e-waste collection

Organisers of the TechCollect recycling initiative hope to set a new world record for the most e-waste collected for recycling in a single week to tackle the nation’s fastest-growing waste problem.

TechCollect, the newest and biggest recycling program for old computers, printers and televisions, builds upon the success of established initiatives where manufacturers take responsibility for the products they create such as ‘Cartridges 4 Planet Ark‘ and MobileMuster.

“Around 90 per cent of all computers and TVs can be recycled and made into new products but unfortunately only 10 to 17 per cent of Australia’s e-waste has been recycled,” said TechCollect CEO, Carmel Dollisson. “We want to encourage all Australians to de-clutter their homes and offices by pulling out those old TVs from the shed plus old computers and printers from storage to help TechCollect keep e-waste out of landfill.”

About 16.8 million TVs, computers, printers and related accessories are disposed of each year in Australia, which equates to 106,000 tonnes of e-waste. The problem is growing, with the quantity of televisions and computers reaching the end of their useful life expected to hit 181,000 tonnes or 44 million units by 2027/28.

TechCollect is funded by more than 60 of Australia’s leading technology companies.

TechCollect's attempt to set a new world record for recycling ended on 28 April following a national campaign involving a free recycling promotion.

A spokesperson said TechCollect will not officially know if it has achieved the world record until everything has been counted and the result submitted to Guinness World Records.